The graphics are fantastic , the footage is striking, the interviews are great, as is the editing. It's really a beautiful film.Marja Mogk, Ph.D, Associate Professor of English, California Lutheran University

Filmmaker Veronica Wain brings her daughter Allycia's story to the screen in this heart felt documentary that challenges the scientific and medical stories embedded in the delivery of genetic diagnosis. With the news that Allycia's DNA sat outside what is defined as "normal" Veronica began a decade long search to find others born with the same condition and to challenge the absence of personal stories in the delivery of medical diagnoses. She believes that medical stories about living with disability are still imbued with ideas of "lack", "degradation" and "suffering" and rarely offer parents of children born with genetic difference any hope of joy or of a life that can be fulfilling and rewarding. "I remember looking at the medical information and looking at Allycia and the two just didn't add up. Upon being handed a couple of photocopied sheets of paper from a medical journal, we were advised to do the best we could and ensure she enjoyed some quality of life - whatever that was supposed to mean."

This was an invitation to get creative! An invitation to learn and an invitation to dream of just who Allycia might become. And journeys are so much more fun in the company of good people. After ten years of feeling like they were the "only ones" Veronica eventually found an international community of others born with Chromosome 18 differences - these are their stories.

In Charles de Lint's words:Our lives are stories, and the stories we have to give to each other are the most important. No one has a story too small and all are of equal stature. We each tell them in different ways, through different mediums—and if we care about each other, we'll take the time to listen.

The DVD is available for purchase

18q- A different kind of normal

DVD 80 minutes - Australia

A$

40.00

18q- A different kind of normal

DVD 80 minutes - International

A$

50.00

Screenings and Q & A sessions with the filmmaker are available. Please contact Veronica at veronica_wain@yahoo.com.au